The SPCA in the province of British Columbia said those behind the alleged cruelty would be held accountable.

Rights group Mercy for Animals filmed the video from 10 May to 9 June.

"The images in this video are absolutely sickening and the individual employees and the companies involved need to be held accountable," said Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the British Columbian (BC) SPCA, in a statement.

Elite Farm Services were not immediately available for comment to the BBC.

In a statement to CTV news, the company said they will also conduct an internal review of all guidelines, practices and training.

"We are sickened with the footage and want to ensure all our suppliers and producers that this is not reflective of who we are, our fundamental beliefs or behavior we accept from our employees," Elite president Dwayne Dueck said in a statement Tuesday.

The company was hired by Sofina Foods Inc to go to farms around the province, catch broiler chickens and transport them to slaughter. Sofina sells chicken products to Loblaws, one of Canada's largest grocery chains.